Notes for SSVP Quiz

1. St Vincent de Paul is the patron of the SSVP. He inspired Frederic Izanami and his friends to start the SSVP. St Vincent de Paul is also the patron of charity.

2. Up until the 1970’s, this was the case. Now, over 50% of SSVP members(volunteers) are women.

3. The SSVP is worldwide!

4.It started in 1833 in France, and came to Scotland in 1845.

5. Definitely! There are Mini Vinnies in primary schools, Youth SSVP in secondary schools and lots of young people involved in parishes and projects across the country.

6.There are roughly 800,000 members.

7. The SSVP exists in 150 countries (as of February 2017). That is ¾ of all countries in the world where people can themselves SSVP members!

Round 2

1. A.

  • The fish is the symbol of Christianity and, in this case, represents the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
  • The eye of the fish is the watchful eye of God seeking to help the poor among us.
  • The crossing at the tail or the tie-knot represents unity and oneness among members and also the union with the poor.
  • The circle aroundthe logo signifies the worldwide natureof the SSVP.
  • The wordsserviens in spemeanto serve in hope, the hope that comes from Our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Frederic Ozanam started the SSVP with 5 friends at the University of Sorbonne in Paris. They were challenged by some students who did not believe that Frederic and his friends’ Catholic faith was relevant. They challenged them ‘Show us your works’. This led the group to help a small number of families by taking them firewood. When they were delivering the firewood though, they realised that the families did not just need the firewood, they also needed a friend; a listening ear. The need to help people materially is still necessary now, but the need for social and spiritual support is just as important.

Video Round

  1. Person to person
  2. Vincentian – this is everyone who is inspired by or founded by St Vincent de Paul. This includes the SSVP, the Daughters of Charity, Vincentian parishes, and Vincentian universities to name a few.
  3. a)Continuing prayer (deepening faith)

b) Meeting with Christ through the poor

4. No! Members always strive to get people to a point where they can help themselves, or to get through a difficult time.

5. False! Examples from around the world- health, agriculture, education, housing, employment support, help for the elderly and disabled.